The Link-Letter October 10, 2014
v. 09-41
For more information click on the links provided.
New items are highlighted.
INDEX
News for Agency Staff here
Events for Agency Staff here
Work Opportunities in the Senior-Serving Sector here
Items for Board Members here
Items for Seniors here
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors here
Submissions for Link-Letter can be sent to:
Fax: 780-428-3844 / #255 Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre
8330-82 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6C 4E3
Back issues of Link-Letter
You can find back issues of Link-Letter at http://www.seniorscouncil.net/archived-link-letters
NEWS FOR AGENCY STAFF
1. The PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation Leadership Grants Program provides funding for professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers who work at small- to medium-registered charitable organizations in Canada. Grants are available in two categories: Individual Leadership Grants: $2,500 for individual staff members or volunteers and Team Leadership Grants: $5,000 for teams of two or more staff members and/or volunteers (including the applicant).
Visit www.pwc.com/ca/grants to learn more about eligibility and application guidelines. The deadline is October 24.
2. Help give Edmonton seniors a “lift” by sharing the word about LIFT: Drive happiness. LIFT is a collaborative partnership between three Edmonton non-profit volunteer driving organizations: Lifestyle Helping Hands Seniors Association, Seniors Assisted Transportation Society of Greater Edmonton, and Society of Seniors Caring about Seniors. October 15 is the media launch and start of a volunteer recruitment campaign. You can help by spreading the word to potential volunteers. Check out http://drivehappiness.ca, www.facebook.com/LIFTDriveHappiness and Twitter @LIFTDriveHappy for more information about the tremendous impact volunteers can have on the lives of seniors who no longer drive.
3. Jeff Johnson has been appointed Minister of Seniors. Premier Prentice outlines specific areas of focus for the new ministry in a mandate letter to Minister Johnson. Work on an elder abuse strategy, provincial housing strategy and addressing fire code and safety issues in seniors accommodation are key elements of this mandate.
4. The Building Corporate Relationships – A Toolkit for Nonprofits outlines a five-step process that can help non-profit organizations build effective relationships with the corporate sector and other community partners. The toolkit was created by Alberta Culture with input from
non-profit stakeholders, community investment managers and fund development professionals.
5. The 2014 Municipal Census confirms that Edmonton’s senior population is growing. Seniors age 65+ make up 12.4 per cent of the Edmonton population in 2014 compared with 10.7 per cent in 2012. When seniors 55-65 years are taken into account the percentage rises to 24.4 per cent in 2014. Learn more about the 2014 results and the comparison to previous years.
2014 Municipal Census Data
2014 / 201265+ / 89,860 / 12.4% / 77,257 / 10.7%
55-65 / 86,521 / 12% / 76,317 / 10.6%
6. Volunteer Alberta has issued an update on the proposed policy changes to the RCMP's Police Information Check (PIC) program. Read the latest information on fingerprinting, timeline for implementation and costs.
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EVENTS FOR AGENCY STAFF
1. Volunteer Edmonton is offering some relevant workshops in October and November: Volunteer Management Fundamentals on October 16, Ethics and Fiscal Management for Volunteer Managers on October 27 and Marketing for Non-Profits on November 5.
2. Multi-cultural community development is the focus of the Connecting Us All networking conference taking place in Edmonton October 16 and 17. This conference is intended to connect ethno-cultural community leaders with each other and with mainstream organizations, helping to promote networking and learning through sharing and connecting people to resources. Registration is free for community members and students. Learn more and register on the conference website. Contact Gemma Dunn at 780-429-4962 or for more information.
3. Sector staff are encouraged to attend the second annual Seniors Friendly Community League Workshop to network with community leagues that want to work with seniors. This workshop offers community league volunteers an opportunity to learn about the needs of seniors, get ideas for programming and gather information on best practices and resources. The workshop will be held October 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at SEESA (9350 – 82 Street). RSVP by October 17 to Habib by emailing or calling 780-437-2913.
4. Register now for the November 5 Alberta Caregivers Association Caregiver Navigator workshop. The workshop trains health professionals, service providers and community agency staff to better support caregivers by showing them how to identify caregivers early in their journey, support caregivers to adopt self-care practices and facilitate caregivers’ access to programs/resources and referrals. The one day workshop is free for participants thanks to a sponsorship by Age Friendly Edmonton. Review the poster for more info. Registration is limited.
5. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) presents Beyond Board Basics 2014 on November 8. A first time offering in Edmonton, this Board Leadership conference is your opportunity to learn from some of Canada's top experts in the field. A series of expert-led, advanced level workshops will challenge your beliefs about what is possible. You will leave with new knowledge, new approaches and the motivations to apply them in your organization. Early Bird admission closes October 10 so register now.
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WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SENIOR-SERVING SECTOR
1. North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 - 120 Street) is hiring a Part-Time Cook. Candidates must have a food handling certificate or be willing to obtain it. Cooking experience is required. Hours of work are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday. Some Friday’s are required for special events. Forward resumes by email to or by fax to 780-452-7537.
2. Sage is recruiting for a Home Services Coordinator. This full time position is responsible for providing information and referrals to seniors regarding home maintenance, snow removal, yard work, housekeeping and other home support services. Much of the role includes development of collaborations with various stakeholders and working with a team of volunteers to respond to requests for service. Demonstrated ability to manage partnerships and projects and to develop new relationships with community organizations and service providers is required. Experience in the Human Services field and working with older adults and volunteers is an asset. If your resume includes words like “organized,” “detail-oriented,” “self-starter,” and “team player” and you are interested in exploring this opportunity, visit the Sage website at www.mysage.ca for the full job description and application details. Submit resumes by October 20.
3. The Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre is hiring for the position of Program Coordinator. You will provide assistance in all areas of the Mill Woods Seniors Programs including working with volunteer activity leads to support , supervise and evaluate community recreation, social, and education programs for seniors 55 years and older. You will develop schedules, allocate space, and keep records of fees, inventory and supplies. You will also develop a plan to recruit, train, schedule and recognize volunteers. Your college diploma or university degree is complemented by your familiarity with the needs and issues of Edmonton seniors. You should also enjoy working with older adults. Proficiency with MS Office applications is required. Flexibility to support occasional organizational activities taking place during the evening or on weekends is expected. View the complete job description. Submit resumes to or Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre, 2nd Floor, 7207-28 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6K 3Z3. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
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ITEMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS
1. The PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation Leadership Grants Program provides funding for professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers who work at small- to medium-registered charitable organizations in Canada. Grants are available in two categories: Individual Leadership Grants: $2,500 for individual staff members or volunteers and Team Leadership Grants: $5,000 for teams of two or more staff members and/or volunteers (including the applicant).
Visit www.pwc.com/ca/grants to learn more about eligibility and application guidelines. The deadline is October 24.
2. The Building Corporate Relationships – A Toolkit for Nonprofits outlines a five-step process that can help non-profit organizations build effective relationships with the corporate sector and other community partners. The toolkit was created by Alberta Culture with input from
non-profit stakeholders, community investment managers and fund development professionals.
3. Volunteer Alberta has issued an update on the proposed policy changes to the RCMP's Police Information Check (PIC) program. Read the latest information on fingerprinting, timeline for implementation and costs.
4. Check out Volunteer Edmonton’s upcoming workshops: Ethics and Fiscal Management for Volunteer Managers on October 27 and Marketing for Non-Profits on November 5.
4. The Board Basics: Roles and Responsibilities webinar offered by Vantage Point provides current and prospective board members of not-for-profit organizations with valuable information to develop an effective and engaged board. The webinar takes place November 7 from 8 – 9:00 a.m. (PST) and costs $20. Click here for more information and to register.
5. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) presents Beyond Board Basics 2014 on November 8. A first time offering in Edmonton, this Board Leadership conference is your opportunity to learn from some of Canada's top experts in the field. A series of expert-led, advanced level workshops will challenge your beliefs about what is possible. You will leave with new knowledge, new approaches and the motivations to apply them in your organization. Early Bird admission closes October 10 so register now.
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ITEMS FOR SENIORS
1. SCONA is now offering Peer Support Outreach – a new service for isolated, lonely seniors. Peer Support Outreach is a telephone friend your own age you can call when you are feeling especially lonely. Call
780-433-5377 to get connected.
2. The Saville Community Sports Centre (11610-65 Ave) is now offering a variety of activities for older adults including Pickleball, Badminton, indoor track and more. This winter they are also offering Chair Yoga, Walking for Fitness, Hatha Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga classes. Check out www.SavilleCentre.ca for more information or call 780-492-1000.
3. The Edmonton Building Communities that Create Health website has added some interactive features that will make it easier for you to contribute to creating and supporting health and wellness in Alberta. You can pitch an idea for a project, discuss a project currently underway, share a resource, or pose a question once you create a profile.
4. The City of Edmonton’s Housing Opportunities Program for Edmonton (HOPE) offers a grant of up to $20,000 to help low-income Edmontonians make repairs to their homes. HOPE will help qualifying homeowners bring their homes to a minimum standard of health and safety relating to plumbing, heating, electrical, structural, fire safety, disability modifications and energy efficiency. Applicants must own and occupy their homes. Seniors and persons with disabilities are given priority. Review the HOPE website for more information on eligibility requirements.
5. A study by Age Wave/Merrill Lynch called Health and Retirement: Planning for the Great Unknown explores the potential impact of health and health care on retirement and offers strategies to achieve a healthier and more financially secure retirement.
6. Review the Healthy U website for an informative series of articles on the benefits of physical activity for older adults. Does strength training really help? Does using Nordic walking poles offer added benefits? Get some great tips to be healthier through physical activity.
7. Consider participating in a research project that seeks to understand how older LGBT adults prepare for end-of-life, seek and consider care, and engage their networks of support. Participants should be aged 60 years or older; identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender; living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, HIV, diabetes, etc. or caring for someone which chronic conditions and have some internet/email experience. To participate in this project call 780-298-4138 or email .
8. The art exhibit Potpourri — 50 years of dabbling, drawing and snapping life’s experiences, delights, and characters will be on display from October 7 to 29 at the Strathcona Place Senior Centre. The exhibit features a collection of oils, caricatures, and photos by Cliff and Rosemarie Cunningham, Peter Letendre, and Mike Yamada.
9. The Jewish Senior Citizen’s Centre is offering a Learning in Retirement series which includes sessions on Classical Music of Russia and its Political Climate, Prejudice and the Arab Spring, Canada and the Arctic, and Israel: The Unending Dilemma. More details on the sessions which run in October and November are available in the brochure or by calling 780-488-4241.
10. Art from the Heart a social enterprise connecting seniors and young adults through their love of arts and crafts, is seeking seniors interested in selling their artistic wares at upcoming sales in October. Artists will receive 50 per cent of the sale price with the remaining funds directed to Youth Empowerment & Support Services of Edmonton. Interested seniors can email with a list of items they would like to sell by October 10. Items will need to be available for drop-off or pickup no later than October 12 as the first sale date is October 15.
11. The Jewish Senior Citizen’s Centre is offering an outing on Thanksgiving Day, October 13 to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. The bus departs at 10 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. Lunch is included. $30 for members and $40 for non-members. RSVP by phoning 780-488-4241 or emailing .
12. There will be a huge selection of books to choose from at great prices at the NESA Book Sale taking place October 14 to October 18.The sale will be held at Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre (7524-139 Ave). For details on times call 780-496-6969.
13. The Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network is offering a free Housing Options for Seniors session on October 16 from 1:45 to
3:45 p.m. The session will cover the levels of supported living, defining “assisted living”, clarifying “aging in place” and accessing an assessment for placement. Call 780-395-2626 to register.
14. Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre presents the Autumn in the Woods 5th Annual Gala and Silent Auction on October 17 to be held at Woodvale Community Hall, Mill Woods Golf Course, (4540 50 St). Pre-dinner cocktails will be at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. with entertainment, silent auction and 50/50 raffle throughout the evening. Price: $50/person (members), $75/person (non-members), $500 table of 8. Tickets are available at Mill Woods Seniors Activity Centre, 2nd floor, 7207 28 Avenue. For more information contact 780-496-2997 or call Marie at 780-496-2933.